Fiji FA mourns the loss of former stopper

The Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel, its Board members and the whole football fraternity is saddened to learn the passing away of former national goalkeeper Afroz Nabi.

Nabi passed away at the Ba Mission Hospital yesterday.

Nabi represented Ba, Nadroga and Suva in his playing days.

The 35-year-old also represented the Fiji Olympians team and the national squad in the early 2000’s.

The highlight of his career was winning a gold medal with the national team at the South Pacific Games in Suva in 2003.

Fiji Football Association Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf acknowledged the contribution of Nabi on the football field.

“It’s a huge loss. He was a great goal keeper of his time and contributed immensely whenever he was given an opportunity to do so. A great leader and a good football player. He will surely be missed by those who knew him.”

Yusuf said his thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this difficult time.

“To lose a family member is never easy, and to lose someone with their whole life ahead of them is devastating,” Yusuf said.

“As a father myself I can only imagine what Nabi’s family are going through. I truly hope our prayers can provide a little comfort for them during this time.”

He will be laid to rest today at 12.30pm at Maururu Muslim Cemetery in Ba.

About FIJI FA

Fiji was among the founding members of OFC along with Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The nation of around 800,000 has traditionally been one of Oceania best performers – second only to New Zealand in the FIFA rankings for men. The Fiji Football Association (FFA) nurtures hopes of one day toppling the giants in Oceania and qualifying for a FIFA finals competition.